Definition

An object that can carry germs or infections from one person to another, like clothing or dishes.

Example

The doorknob can be a fomite if someone with a cold touches it.

Conversation

Have you heard about how surfaces can be a fomite for germs?

Yeah, I read that common things like doorknobs can carry viruses.

Exactly! It's kind of scary to think about all the fomites around us.

Right? That's why washing hands is so important, especially after touching stuff.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fomite comes from the Latin 'fomes' (meaning tinder or a combustible material) and the suffix '-ite' (often used to denote a component or a mineral). The word 'fomite' refers to an object or material that is likely to carry infection, akin to how tinder can carry fire.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fomes' as something that can catch fire, and remember that a fomite is an object that can carry germs, just like tinder carries flames.

Visually Confused Words